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THE VICTIM 



A Play in Three Acts 



BY 



ADRIENNE ROUCOLLE 



Produced Auditorium Theatre, Denver, Colo., 
March IS, 1912. 



Copyrighted 1913 by Adrifioe fioucoJk 



Copyrighted by Author 1910. 

WARNING: — The sale of this book does not authorize the production of rhe 
iday either by amateurs or professionals. 



'<^^ 




ADRIENNE ROUCOLLE, Author 



TWP96-0C66S3 
5)CI.D 34427 



CHARACTERS 



Players given in the order in which they appear. 
ALICE WELLINGTON, the minister's wife. 
CORNELIA MARTIN, a seamstress. 
DR. THEODORE WELLINGTON, the minister. 
KARL MACKLER. the brewer. 
RUTH WELLINGTON, the minister's daughter. 
MEREDITH WELLINGTON, the minister's son. 
FRITZ MACKLER, the brewer's son. 
TIM MARTIN, the seamstress' son. 
PAT MURPHY, the saloon keeper. 
SOOTTY, ) 

MAME, C women of the streets. Supers with bits. 

REDD IB, ) 

BILL WILLIAMS, police officer. A bit double with O'Fallen. 
JOE SMITHERS. ) 

TOM HESS, [saloon loafers. Supers with bits. 

DICK TEENY, ) 

PAP, a reformed drunkard. Easy double for brewer. 
ABENITI, a drunken dago. lEasy double for saloon keeper. 
OFFICER O'PALLON, another policeman. 
DR. WENTWORTH, a physician. Super part. No lines. 
Newsboys, voters, W. C. T. U. children, politicians, policemen. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 

ACT I. Library of Dr. Wellington's home. 
Time: A June morning. 
Place: Any large city in this country. 

ACT II. Scene I. — 'Street corner. Pat Murphy's Saloon. 
Time: Night before election. 
Place: Same city. 
Scene 11.^ — ^5 p. m. election day. Same corner. 

ACT III. "The Children's Mission." 

Time: Christmas night Ave years later. 
Place: Another large city. 



(From the Denver Post, March 14, 1913.) 
'THE VICTIM" SCORES BEFORE BIG AUDIENCE. 



Last night the Auditorium was fairly well filled by those interested in "The 
Victim," a strictly home-talent production, for Adrienne Roucolle, a very tal- 
ented and promising Denver playwright, is the the author, and all who took 
part have claimed this city as a home for varying lengths of time. 

Then, ioo, the cause might be considered a local one, for the W. C. T. U. 
has been fighting for a long time for just what this drama stands. 

The theme, of course, is an old one, a commonplace one, and therein lies 
its value. It is a picture of life, the pity is, just as it is today, and not the 
exceptional one either. 

The first act introduced one to tlie home life of a minister whose son is 
just beginning to find out that he has an inherited taste for liquor, and whose 
daughter is in love with the son of the brewer, who lives just across the way. 

Here, too, we find that the seamstress' son is addicted to the same habit, 
which he acquired while away at college. 

The usual answer is given by the brewer when he says it is the drunkard's 
own fault that he is not strong enough to resist temptation, but the reply by 
every mother is that temptation ought not to be put in the way of a young and 
therefore weak and inexperienced person. 

As Sir Roger de Coverly says: "Much might be said on both sides." 

The very best act was the first one, for the second was a scene that cannot 
be handled even by experts. It was sort of a "Salvation Nell" effect, only it 
was on the outside of the saloon, and what transpired there was unnatural, for 
the "women of the streets," in order to let the audience know them, acted more 
like hoodlums, which is not synonymous, by any means, with the aforemen- 
tioned women. But there was a fine climax in this act when Pauluine Perry 
Austin, who played the minister's daughter, climbed up on the brewer's auto 
and told the populace that had gathered to see the police take away her drunken 
brother, that it was their fault that any mother should suffer on account of the 
father or son drinking, for each citizen had it in his power to change such con- 
ditions by casting his vote in the right way. 

That was what might be called the sociological climax of the play. 

The third act takes us to a "Children's Mission," where after a period of 
five years the minister's reformed son is working for the good of humanity, and 
where also the seamstress' sen, who is the victim, appears as a complete wreck 
— all too true a picture and too common a one in everyday life. 

The love story runs along, not any more smoothly than the proverb pre- 
scribes, throughout the play and ends satisfactorily. 

As for the play, it has such a mighty big central theme — that of depicting 
life as it is — that all the little crudities are overlooked by the audience, which 
was a very serious one last night and no doubt composed of the very people 
who did not need the lesson that the play teaches. 

Those who took part are to be congratulated for the excellent work done. 
James Wharton Jones was an ideal man of the church, while Helen Rumsey did 
most telling and intelligent work as the minister's wife and as a mother. 

Pauline Perry Austin is truly versatile, for everyone knows her as the sweet 
singer that she is, but she is also the clever interpreter of dramatic art, and 
last night she was faultless in her portrayal of the daughter. 

One little word must be said for Arthur Laws, who did the very best work 
"he has ever done, and he has been heard from before. Furthermore, he will be 
heard from later, it is predicted. Mark him. 

The seamstress was Mrs. S. H. Shields, and if ever there was a natural 
character she is one, while the brewer, the brewer's son (Jack Stillman), the 
seamstress' son (William Cormick), were all capably portrayed. 



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The "Victim" 

ACT I. 

SCENE: Library in DR. WBLLINGTION'S home. 

Dark chamber set in 3. Doors L. 2 and R. 1. Interior backings to these. 
French window in L. 2 Exterior, garden effect, backing to this. Couch with 
fancy pillows L. of C. back. Bookcase R. of C back. Library table with sewing 
materials, paper patterns, etc., C. Sewing machine L. near front, chair by 
machine. Chair R. of library table. Easy chair R. near front. 

Lights full up. White lengths or bunches at doorway. Bunches back of 
French window to give effect of brilliant sunlight. 

(As curtain rises, MRS. MAjRTIN is discovered at sewing machine sewing. 
MRS. WTEiLLINGTON before table arranging patterns and goods. RUTH off 
stage back of French windows singing.) 

MR)S. W. — (Looking up.) There'll be enough of the goods, Mrs. Martin. 

MRS. M. — (Starts.) Did you speak to me? 

MRS. W.— Yes. I said we'd have enough of the goods. 

MH'S. M. — (Resumes sewing.) I thought we would. (RUTH'S voice draws 
nearer as though she was nearing the window.) 

MRS. W. — (Goes to window.) Ruth seems happy this morning. I love to 
hear her sing. 

MRiS. M. — So do L Troubles come fast enough to take the singing out of 
her. 

MRS. W. — (Returns to table.) I feared for a while that our chance meeting 
with that young man would cloud her happiness. She seemed so interested and 
h£T father was so angry. 

MRS. M. — It was unfortunate, but Dr. Wellington is right, the daughter of 
a minister should not associate with a brewer's son. 

MRS. W. — I know that better than you. Still we were not to blame for we 
did not know who his father was until we came home. 

MRlS. M. — True, but you know it now. 

MRiS. W. — And we have ceased to see him. 

MRiS. M. — (After working in silence a second. Looks up.) Have you any 
more of the No. 50 thread, Mrs. Wiellington? I will need more directly. 

MRS. W. — I'll see, though I think I gave you the last spool yesterday. 
(Crosses to couch, looks in work basket.) No, I have none. 

MRS. M. — You'd bettfr have Miss Ruth get some as I surely can't finish 
with what's on the spool. 

MRiS. W. — ^I might run over to Mrs. Green and see if she has any as I will 
need Ruth to try on the waist. 

MRS. M. — That's right. Mrs. Green most likely can lend you some. 

(Exit MRS. W. French windows and enter DR. W. R. door.) ' 

DR. W. — I thought Mi's. Wellington was in here. 

MRS. M. — (Looks up startled.) iShe just stepped out to borrow some thread 
of Mrs. Green. 

DR. W. — (Turns.) Very well, have her join me in the study when she re- 
turns. (Walks toward R. door.) 

MRS. M. — (Rises, hesitates, then calls.) Dr. Wellington, please. 

DR W. — (Turns just before exit.) Did yoii call me, Mrs. Martin? 

MRS, M. — (Increase embarrassment and nervousness.) Yes, sir. — Are — 
you very busy this morning? 

DR. W. — I am always busy. Did you want anything in particular? 

MRS. M. — (Lowered head.) I — I wanted to — to talk to you about my 
son — Timothy, you know. 

DR. W.— Yes? 

MRiS. M. — But of coursie if you are busy I — I'll wait some other time. 

DR. W. — I may as well listen now. Has Tim lost his position? 

MRiS. M. — (Broken tones.) No. sir. At least not yet. (Breaks down.) It's 
something much worse. 



DR. W. — (Surprised. Goes to her.) Why Mrs. Martin, what's the roatter? 
Is Tim ill? 

MRS. M.—(Sobs.) If it was only that I could stand it! 

DR. W.— 'Then what is it? 

MRS. M. — (In despair.) Dr. Wellington, my — my boy is a,— drunkard. 

DR. W.— (Starts back.) A drunkard! Oh no! 

MRS. M. — (Brokenly and hurriedly.) I tried to hide it from all — I hoped 
he'd reform but instead he .has been going from bad to worse until I had to tell 
some one or die. 

DR. W. — ^How long have you knowni this? 

MRS. M. — ^Since his return from college. He acquired the taste while away 
from ruie. You will talk with him! You will save him! (Pleadingly.) He isn^ 
had at heart, Dr. Wellington, just weak. 

DR. W. — Weakness is a sin in itself. I must admit that I have no patience 
with the man who tries to excuse his sin by saying he could not resist the voice 
of temptation. There is no power on earth that could make me take a drink! 

MRS. M. — I know, but Dr. Wellington, you are a man and Tim is only a boy. 

DR. W. — Like all mothers you have the weakness to excuse your wayward 
son. I was a boy once, Mrs. Martin, yet I never yielded to temptation. I see that 
it is very necessary for me to talk to the young man and I shall do so without 
delay. 

MRS. M. — (Eagerly.) You will tedl how I toiled and saved to raise and 
educate him after I was left a widow and he only six months old. You know 
what the struggles were, for both you and Mrs. Wellington helped me over the 
roughest places. I don't begrudge him what I've done, I was willing and 
happy — I loved him so. He was my pride, my life, my only hope! But now — 
now- — (Voice breaks, she covers face tvith apron. Bell rings off R.) 

DR. W. — ^Some one at the door. Dry your eyes, Mrs. Martin, and go open. 
Ruth is gathering flowers in the garden and may not hear the bell. 

MRS. M. — (Dries eyes and crosses to R. door.) Yes, sir. (Exit MRS. M. 

(Dr. W. retnains very thoughtful. Confused talking behind scenes. 

(Enter MACKLER.) 

MACKDER — (As he enters.) It's all right. I'll announce myself. . (Laughs 
as he hits DR. W. familiarly on shoulder.) Of course I knew you were in. The 
old lady out there told mie she didn't know if you were in. I hope you don't 
mind my calling in the morning like this without dressing up, but you see I'm 
a plain man and don't stand ceremony with my neighbors, for we are neighbors 
now. I bought the Standly mansion across the street and me and the boy are 
settled there since yesterday. (Offers cigar case.) Have one on me, pure 
Havanas worth a dollar a piece wholesale. 

DR. W. — 'Very coldly.) Thank you, Mr. Mackler. I do not smoke. 

MACKDER — (Lights cigar.) Too bad, ii was a treat. I'll light one seeing 
the ladies are not in. (Sits in easy chair loith legs spread out before him. 
Looks up tvith a laugh.) 'Say, how's the girl this morning? 

DR. W. — (More coldly.) Do you mean my daughter, Mr. Mackler? 

MACKLER — ^Who else could I mean? (Laughs.) She sure made a hit with 
my boy. The kid raves about her. I even believe he talks about her in his 
sleep. 

DR. W. — (Greatly annoyed.) Mrs. Wellington did not know he was your 
son when she allowed him to join her party in Europe. She thought he was 
some young college graduate taking his first tour of the continent and — 

MACKLER — (Not understanding.) No harm done I assure you. Though 
I'm almost a millionaire I'm not proud. I want the boy suited even if the girl 
hasn't a penny to her name. I wasn't always rich myself. 

DR. W.- — You misunderstood my meaning, Mr. Mackler. 

MACKLER — What did you mean then? (Most innocently.) 

DR. W. — I mean sir, that if Mrs. Wellington had known the young man's 
parentage she would ner\'er have associated or allowed her daughter to associate 
with him. 

MACKLER — (Rises in anger.) What's that! 

DR. W. — You may be rich, sir, but we unfortunately know how you made 
your money. 

MACKLER — (Astonished.) How I made my money? Why from my 
brewery of course and honestly too! 

DR. W.^Honestly, that, sir, I doubt! 

IVEACKLEIR — (Jumps at him in sudden anger.) — You — you try to hint — 
I'm a thief! 



DR. W. — 'From a business standpoint, perhaps not. I never heard anything 
against your character as a business man. 

MACKLBR— Ah, that's better. 

DR. W. — 'But for all that your money is tainted since it is eai'ned through 
the tears of women and the degradation of men! 

MAiOKLER- — (Hearty laugh.) Oh, I see a temperance crank, eh! 

DR. W. — Not a cranio, sir, but rather la man whose calling brings him in 
daily contact with your victims. 

MACKLER — (More amused.) So you call drunkards my victims! 

DR. W. — They certainly are not mine. 

MACKLER — I do not force men to drink. 

DR. W. — But you manufacture that which they drink and which sends 
them to the gutter. 

MACKLER — (Disgusted crosses to R.) I guess it's no use trying to show 
you, you don't know what you're talking about. You are set just like the rest 
of them. 

DR. W. — If by being set, you mean that I am opposed to your business, I 
must own that I am set and I am proud of it. 

MACKLER — If that's the case I suppose it's no use for me to try to be 
friendly? 

DR. W. — 'None whatevier, as long as you run a brewery. 

MACKLER — (Irony.) You certainly don't think I would close it to please 
you. Of the two you will be the only loser by refusing my friendship. 

DR. W.— I fail to see how? 

MACKLER — I had the intention of helping you clear off the church debt. 
I knew it would please the boy, seeing he was soft on the girl. 

DR. W. — I would never have taken money from you. 

MACKLER — (Amazement mingled with contempt.) Refuse money! these 
hard times! If that's the way you run business I would not want you for a 
partner! 

DR. W. — (Shoivs him the door.) Nor I you, sir! 

MACKLER — ^All right then. It's going to be a little tough on the boy, but 
then he's not too far gone but what he'll recover. There are plenty of other 
girls. (Turns before exit. R.J If you change your mind let me know. I live 
just across the street. I won't hold a grudge against you for I make allowances 
for your bringing up. Good morning. (Exit MACKLER, R. door. J 

(DR. W. paces room, in anger.) 

(Return MRS. M., R. door.) 

DR. W. — Why did you admit that man? 

MRS. M. — (Timidly.) I didn't admit him. Dr. Wellington. He pushed me 
aside and entered, saying, he knew you were home. (Resumes seat at machine.) 

DR. W. — I see. Well, if he ever returns and you see him before you open 
the door, don't open it. 

(Return MRS. W., French windows.) 

MRS. W.- — (As she enters xvithout seeing DR. W.) Mrs. Green didn't have 
any thread, Mrs. Martin. You will have to go to the little store around the 
corner and buy some, i Sees DR. W.) Ah, good morning, Theodore. 

DR. W. — Good morning, Alice. 

MRS. M. — (Who has been removing her sewing apron.) I'll get the thread 
at once, Mrs. Wellington. (Exit MRS. M., R. door.) 

MRS. W. — (Anxious.) Did Ruth get your breakfast? 

DR. W.--( Shortly.) Yes. 

MRS. W. — (Looks around, more anxious. Takes up sewing to hide nervous- 
ness.) Has Meredith come home? 

DR. W. — 'How could he since he phoned us last night that he was leaving 
for the smelters to see about a position. He can't be home beifore afternoon. 

MRS. W. — ^Then what's the matter, Theodore? 

DR. W. — Do you know who just left? 

MRS. W.— No? 

DR. W. — 'Brewer Mackler, father of that young man you allowed to trail 
after you and Ruth throughout Europe. 

MRS. W.— (Relieved.) Ah! 

DR. W. — (Increased displeasure.)' He came, thinking to take advantage of 
your friendship with his son. trying to force 'iiunself upon me, offering me money. 

MRS. W. — (Seioing.) What did you do? 

DR. W. — I gave him to understand that I wanted neither him nor his tainted 
money. I showed him that I had stronger convictions than either my wife or 
daughter. I — 



MRS. W. — ^Theodore, how can you say that! How many times must I tell 
you I did not know Fritz Mackler's business. The young man came to our 
•assistance as we were having some trouble with our passports in Germany. He 
was a gentleman and — 

DR. W.- — 'A gentleman; that Alice, I doubt! 

MRS. W. — I tell you, Theodore, that Fritz Mackler is all one could wish 
for from the standpoint of manners and breeding. He is refined, polite, cul- 
tured. 

DR. W. — (Sternly.) That makes no difference, he is his father's son! 

MRS. W.— I know, dear, nor do I defend him through any desire to con- 
tinue the acquaintance started abroad, but rather to show you that I was not to 
blame in this matter. 

(RUTH appears in French windows.) 

DR. W.— Let it go at that, still I want it distinctly understood that from 
now on both you and Ruth cease his acquaintance. (Walks to bookcase and takes 
out book.) 

(Enter RUTH, with a bunch of flowers.) 

RUTH — Cease whose acquaintance, father? (Begins arranging flowers.) 

DR. W. — (Turns.) Fritz Mackler. It certainly was scandal enoaigh Last 
week to have people se& you coming home in his company and have it known 
that he had trailed after your party during most of your European trip. 

RUTH — There is nothing to be said against Fritz Mackler's character. He 
is as much a gentleman as either you or my brother. 

DR. W. — (To Mrs. W.) See! (Turns to Ruth.) That may be true, Ruth, 
but he is his father's son. 

RUTH — What difference should that make. Children are not responsible 
for the short comings of their parents. 

MRS. W.~( Pleadingly.) Ruth! 

DR. W. — (Sternly.) Alice, let us settle this question by ourselves. I want 
to know just what she thinks. 

RUTH — (Moves to R. from table then turns to Dr. W. defiantly.) Then I 
shall tell you. I think you are all unjust and cruel to scorn the son because 
his father happens to ^be a brewer. It is the fault of neither, but rather that of 
our social condition, which makes the manufacture of intoxicants such a crime 
in the eyes of the world. Old Mr. Mackle'r is as honest a business man as any 
in the city, his word is as good as his note. Why should he not be treated with 
the same consideration as is given other business men? 

DR. W. — ^Becausei his business is a curse, because he aids in the downfall 
of humanity, because each dollar of his ever growing fortune represents a 
wrecked home, a fa.Uen man, a heart-broken wife or mother! 

MRS. W. — (With conviction.) He is right, Ruth, unfortunately right! 

RUTH— (Rebellious.) No, he is not right! It is not Mr. Mackler's business 
that's at fault, but rather the weakness of the individuals who don't know when 
to stop, who go to excess in everything, who have not learned the lesson of 
moderation. 

DR. W. — (Turns away in anger, tvalks up stage to loindow.) And it's a 
daughter of mine who talks thus! 

MRS. W. — (With emotion to Ruth.) Take care, Ruth, that some day the 
curse does not come home to you. 

RUTH— (Startled.) What do you mean? 

MRS. W. — (Looks away.) Nothing! Only be careful! 

DR. W. — (Returns to Ruth.) From the way you talk then, I suppose you 
would have treated that Fritz Mackler just the same even if you had known 
his father's business. 

RUTH — Yes, sir — since I did know it! 

MRS. W. — (Rises, drops her work.) Ruth! 

DR. W. — (Takes two steps toward her in anger.) Do you mean to say that 
you knew right along that he was Brewer Mackler's son! 

RUTH^ — (Defiantly.) Yes, sir. I know it the second day of our acquaint- 
ance and I forbid him to tell mother as I knew she would not allow him to 
remain with our party. 

MRS. W. — (In horror.) Unhappy childi, what made you do that! 

RUTH — (Looks from one to the other, hesitates. Sloivly.) Because — be- 
cause I loved him! 

DR. and MRS. W. — (Consternation.) Loved him! 

RUTH — Yes, with the first meeting of our eyes, before he had six>ken a 
word, I knew he was the only man I could ever love just as he knew I was the 
only woman he could ever love. 

10 



DR. W. — (Advances in anger.) Then he has already spoken of love! 

RUTH— Yes, sir. 

DR. W. — (Turns to MRS. W. in sudden anger.) So that's the way you look 
after your daughter! 

MRS. W. — ^^Theodore, I assure you I did not know, I could not guess! 

DR. W.~(R€turns to Ruth.) Child, child, you surely did not intend marry- 
ing him. 

RUTH— I did sir, and I still do! 

MRS. W.~( Alarm.) Ruth! Ruth! 

DR. W. — (Collected anger.) While there's yet a breath in my body you 
never shall. 

RUTH — (Open defiance.) I am of age, father! 

MRS. W. — (Sternly.) Ruth, how can you talk thus! 

RUTH. — ^Because, mother, I do not want thie unjust prejudices of a narrow 
religion to stand in the way of my life's happiness. 

DR. W.~(Rushes to her.) Ruth Wellington— 

MRS. W. — (Stops betioeen them.) Theodore, leave her to me, I — 

DR. W.— (Anger.) I must tell her— 

MRS. W. — (Gently pushes him toward door L.) Listen, dear, she is not in 
her senses, she does not know what she's saying. Let me talk with her. 

DR. W.— But I— 

MRS. AV.— Go, Theodore, I tell you it will be all right. 

DR. W. — ^This much will I say. Ruth Wellington, the day you marry that 
man I disown you forever. (Exit DR. W.) 

MRS. W. — (Returns to Ruth.) Ruth., my daughter, you did not mean what 
you said just now! 

RUTH — I did mother, for I lov© him! (Breaking down.) Oh, mother, you 
know what love means to a wonisci? Pity me, help me, I am so unhappy. (Falls 
into mother's arms.) 

MRS. W. — (Tender com/passion.) My poor, poor child! God will surely 
show us a way out of the difficulty. 

RUTH — (Tsars herself away. With resolution.) There is only one way. I 
will never give him up. 

(Enter MEREDITH staggering.) 

MRS. W.— (Reproachfully.) Oh, Meredith! 

MBREDITH— rT/itcfc speech. Walks on to couch. RUTH hurries to him. 
MRS. W. turns aivay her head.) I— I had another sinking spell, mother. It 
was all I could do to get home, my head is hurting me so. 

RUTH- — (Anxious, hurries to door.) I'll go call the doctor. 

MRS. W. — (Holds her hack. Alarm.) No. no Ruth, you mustn't call a 
doctor. It's nothing — just — just his heart. 

RUTH — (Surprised.) All the greater reason for calling a doctor! Heart- 
trouble is something not to be trifled with. 

MRS. W. — (Increase nervousness.) I know, but today he is better and — 
tomorrow we will go and consult one, Meredith and I. 

MEREDITH — (Has sat doum on couch, head between hands. Looks up.) 
Mother is right, Sis. Get me a cup of real strong coffee. That will help me 
more than all the doctor's dope. 

MRS. W. — (Eagerly.) Yes, yes, that's it. Get the coffee at once. Hurry, 
Rutb. (Pushes RUTH out R. door. Returns to MEREDITH. With despair.) 
Meredith, if this keeps on I shall not be able to longer hide the truth from your 
father, then God pity us both! 

MEREDITH— rLoofcs up startled.) What do you mean? 

MRS. W. — f Brokenly.) I know and have known from the first that it was 
drink, not the heart which made you ill. 

MEREDITH — (Half rises then sinks back to couch.) Mother! 

MRS. W. — (Hurriedly.) From the first I knew it, but I hoped that it was 
only a passing weakness that you would overcome and brace up and be a man. 
I idid not want to think that the curse had come home to me! 

MEQR.ELITH — (Rises. Takes two faltering steps to L. door.) I'll go away 
mother, before fatter finds out. 

MRS. W. — (Holds him back.) No, no, Meredith, don't leave home. Remain 
here and give up drink. 

MEREDITH — (Discouraged.) I can't, mother. I have tried. I can't give 
it up! 

MRS. W. — (Seizes his arm in anguish.) Do you mean that the appetite is 
too strong? (MEREDITH nods.) How long has this been going on, my son? 

MEREDITH — iSince my first year at college. (Falls back on couch.) 

11 



MRS. W. — (In horror.) Four years! (A pause, she looks at him in despair.) 
How long have you been drinking to excess? 

MEiRBDITH — (Looks up. Miserably.) With my first drink, mother. I 
love it, its very smell sends a thrill through me. I crave it and must have it! 

MRS. W. — (Turns atvay her head.) The sins of the fathers shall be visited 
upon the children unto the third and fourth generations. 

MEREDITH — (Rises, goes to Mrs. W.) What does that mean, mother? 

MRS. W. — It means, my unfortunate Meredith, that back of you there are 
four generations of drinking men! I hoped you would be spared! (Clings to 
him in despair.) 

MEREDITH — (Pulls himself away. Passes hand over brow.) I begin to 
understand now! It is not then that I am weaker than others, it is simply that 
I have been called into the world to pay for the sins of others. 

MRS. W. — (Pitieously.) Meredith, can you ever forgive me? The cursie 
comes from my side! 

MEREDITH — (Puts arms about her.) There is nothing to forgive. We are 
simply victims of the past. You have always been the very best of mothers but 
I have been an unworthy son! 

MRS. W. — (Sobs.) My poor boy, my poor, poor boy. 

MBREDITH — I am beginning to see. Things are getting dear to me. I 
always wondered why the first glass affected me that way, making mie crazy, 
not responsible for what I did. 

MRS.W. — Why do you take the first glass then? 

MEREDITH — (Turns aicay from her.) Because I haven't the power to re- 
sist. (Faces her again. With resolution.) But don't fear, mother, I won't re- 
main here to disgrace you. I shall go at once and fight it out alone! 

MRS. W.^Can you? 

MEREDITH — (Discouraged.) I don't know. I can try. 

MRS. W.— No, Meredith. If a man ever needs a mother it is when fighting 
for the salvation of his soul. You must remain as long as your father does not 
suspect and together with God we will tiT to conquer. 

(MEREDITH sinks back to couch. Return RUTH.) 

RUTH— (Gives cap to MEREDITH.) Are you better, Meredith? 

MEREDITH — (Takes cup.) Yes. Tihis will finish curing me. 

RUTH — (Goes to MRS. W. ivho has crossed to L. and sat doivn on easy 
chair.) Mother, don't you thinkk it would be better to send for a doctor? 
Meredith looks very sick. 

MRS. W. — (Stern despair.) No, Ruth, it is not necessary. Your brother is 
not sick, but drunk! 

RUTH — (Starts back in horror.) Drunk! 

MEREDITH — (Reproachfully.) Moither, why tell her! 

MRS. W.— Because son, I had to save her from herself. 

MEREDITH — I understand, Fritz Mackler. (Reclines on couch and goes to 
sleep.) 

MRS. W. — Ruth, do you still want to miarry the son of the man who, per- 
haps, helped to make your brother what he is? 

RUTH — (Looks from Mrs. W. to MEREDITH in dazed agony.) Drunk! 
Drunk! 

MRS. W. — (Rises.) Yes, drunk on an average onoe a week, sometimes 
oftener. (Goes to RUTH.) Now do you understand why mothers, wives' and 
sweethearts hate the very names of those who take their sons, husbands and 
lovers from them! 

RUTH — (Moves away and leans heavily against sewing machine. Hoarse 
whisper as her head drops on her bosom.) Drunk! 

MRS. W. — You told your father that you did not share the unjust prejudices 
of his narrow religion. Do you still call them unjust? 

RUTH — (Extends her hands in despairing entreaty.) Oh, mother, spare me! 
Remember how much I love him! 

MRS. W. — ^It is unfortunate that you should, for do what he may he will 
always be the son of his father, that is the son of a man who makes his money 
by the downfall of his fellow men. (Gently and sadly.) No, Ruth, you can not 
change matters. iShould you marry Fritz Mackiler the money he would use to 
support you would be some of that blood money and you, his wife, would be 
the sharer in their crime. 

RUTH — (Remains a second with lowered head. Then sudden inspiration. 
Hurries to MRS. W. Eagerly.) Mother, if Fritz gave up his father's business; 
if he renounced all of that ill-gotten wealth, then would it be possible for me 
to marry him? 

12 



MRS. W. — He would consent to neither. 

RUTH — (Breathlesa eagerness.) But if he did, mother, if lie did? (Seizes 
MRS. Ws. arm. Mad- pleading.) Oh, mother, give me at least a chance to fight 
for my happiness. 

MRS. W. — (Still hesitating.) How can you meet him to make the request 
of him? 

nXiTlA— (Excited.) Here! At once! 

MRS. W.— But your father? 

RUTH — (Hurriedly.) Fatlier is away on a sick call. He will not be back 
for an hour. Fritz lives just across the street, he can be here in a minute. It 
will be my last request if he refuses. 

MRS. W. — Very well, you can see him this once. (Turns to MEREDITH.) 
What do you think, Meredith. Oh, he is sleeping. (Goes to couch as though to 
wake him.) 

RUTH — (Half way to R. door, turns and pauses.) Don't wake him, mother, 
I will see Fritz in this room and he may be a useful object lesson. I will tele- 
phone Fritz. (Exit RUTH R. door. MRS. W. goes to couch and looks down at 
sleeping MEREDITH in abject despair.) 

(Return MRS. M. R. door.) 

MRS. M. — (Speakiyig as she crosses to machine.) I finally got the thread 
but I had to go as far as Raymond's, the Notion Store was out of the number. 

MRS. W. — ^Sh — , Mrs. Martin, Meredith is sleeping. He just had another 
sinking spell. 

MRS. M. — (Frowning. Voice hard, and sympathetic.) Another spell. He 
seems to be having them* very frequently of late. 

MRS. W. — (Looks at MRS. M. startled.) How queerly you say that, Mrs. 
Martin. 

MRiS. M. — You needn't worry, those spells are not dangerous, they always 
recover. 

MRS. W. — (Alarmed, goes to MRS. M.) Mrs. Martin, explain yourself. 

MRS. M. — ^Do you mean to tell me that you do not know what really ails 
the boy? 

MRS. W. — (l7i horror.) Is it possible that others have guessed! 

MRS. M. — (Break in hard voice.) Sure, and if he and Tim don't stop soon 
they'll both be the talk of the town. 

MRS. W. — (Wrings her hands.) What is to become of me? 

MRS. M. — (Brokenly.) What becomes of all mothers whose sons are drunk- 
ards, bear and suffer. 

MRS. W.— Did you say that Tim—? 

MRS. M. — (Bitterly.) Is the close companion of your son — yes! I only 
foimd it out just now — not ten minutes ago. And to think that I, poor fool, 
was alwiays urging Tim to associate with Meredith. How was I to know, a 
minister's son! 

(Return RUTH.) 

RUTH — Fritz will be here in a few minutes and I wish to talk with him in 
here alone. (Looks to MRS. M.) 

MRS. M. — (Scornfully.) You sure have fine friends, I'm not surprised. 

RUTH — (Goes to her in sudden anger.) What's that you're saying, Mrs. 
Martin? 

MRS. W. — (Hurriedly.) Don't mind her, Ruth, she thinks she has cause to 
be angry. Oome with me in the next room, Mrs. Martin, I have something to 
tell you. (MRS. W. and MRS. M. tvalk toward L. door.) 

RUTH — (Before they exit.) You'll biave Fritz join me here, mother. 

MRS. W.— Yes, Ruth. (Exit Mrs. M. and MRS. W., L. door. RUTH walks 
to sleeping MEREDITH and looks at him with a loorld of despair in face and 
attitude. Enter FRITZ. He looks arotmd, sees RUTH and tip-toes up to her 
and slips his arm around her waist.) 

RUTH — (Turns.) Fritz! (Throws arms around his neck.) 

FRITZ — ^Ruth, (Holds her to him for a second, then releases her with a 
laugh) I knew my old Dad must have gotten things wrong. He was telling me, 
when you called up, that your father had practically chased him this morning. 

BXiTU— (Sadly.) So he has. 

FRITZ — ^Then how does it come I'm here at your request? 

RUTH — (Turns away her head.) It means that this is to be our last meeting. 

FRITZ — (Alarmed.) Our last meeting! Impossible! 

RUTH — Alas, yes, unless — 

FRITZ — (Anxious.) Unless what? 

13 



RUTH — Unless you and your father s^evier all connection with the liquor 
traffic and come over to our side. 

FRITZ — ^Ruth, you very well know my father would never consent to such 
a thing even though I did for love of you. 

RUTH — Then I can never see you again. 

FRITZ — (Alarm, increases. Goes to her.) Ruth, you can not mean that! 
Remember my father was born and bred in the business, that his father, his 
grandfather before him were brewers. 

RUTH — ^That may be true, but it is equally true in my father's case. He 
comes from, a family of clergymen who consider liquor the curse of the land. 
Do you suppose he will set aside his opinions simply because his daughter was 
unfortunate enough to fall in love with a brewer's son? 

FRITZ — I understand. Therefore let us leave both of our fathers out of 
the question and arrange our lives to suit ourselves. Their difference of opinions 
shoiuld not stand in the way of our happiness. 

RUTH — (Turns auay her head:) I thought that possible until this morning, 
now I know it can not be. 

FRITZ — (Surprised and anxious.) You don't mean that — ? 

RUTH — 'That I now share my father's opinions. I do mean it! 

FRITZ— r-S^ar^s hack.) Ruth! 

RUTH — (Hurries to couch.) Yes, and here is the cause of my changed 
opinion. See my brother, Fritz, the pride and hope of my parents^ — Drunk! 

FRITZ — (Has followed her to couch in wondering surprise. Starts back in 
horror.) Your brother — a drunkard! 

RUTH — (Brokenly.) You surely undierstau'd why I can never be the 
daughter-in-law of the man who helped to put him there, as long as that man 
continues to help break other homes, ruin other lives. 

FRITZ — My father is not to blame for this, Ruth. He never sells liquor 
to customers, he — 

RUTH — ^True, but he manufactures that which others retail, he, therefore, 
is the primal cause. 

FRITZ — ^Ruth, it is not liquor thae makes drunkards but rather their own 
weak moral characters. 

RUTH — Then we must protect their weakness and take from them the 
temptation, they are not strong enough to resist. 

FRITZ — But liquor 'will always be 'manufactured as long as there are men 
to drink it! 

RUTH — This is no reason why I should marry the son of one of these men, 
I, who the curse has struck thi-ough my dearest ties. 

FRITZ — 'Then you do not love me! (Deeply hurt.) 

RUTH — (Reproachfully.) You know better. 

FRITZ — (Takes her hands and slowly draios her to him.) You don't love 
me as I love you. 

RUTH — What are you willing to do to prove that your love is stronger 
than mine? 

FRITZ— Ask for my life— 

RUTH — -You know I do not want your life. 

FRITZ — (Walks atcay, then returns to her.) What do you want? 

RUTH — (Eagerly.) Have your father give up his business and retire. He's 
rich enough to rest. 

F'RITZ — (Hesitates, then suddenly.) If he does, will you be willing to 
marry me? 

RUTH — Yes, but you must not touch one cent of his money. 

FRITZ — ^With you as a reward I could work and make enough to support 
both of us. 

HUTU— (Eagerly.) But will you? 

FRITZ — You bet I will! (Seizes her in his arms.) 

RUTH— Thank you, Fritz, thanik you! 

FRITZ — (Pushes her gently back and looking into her eyes.) I must con- 
fess one thing, Ruth, what I am going to do is not through any change of 
opinion or because I am ashamed of my good old father or his business record, 
but simply because I love you and feel that, under this circumstance, I can get 
you no other way. 

RUTH — But you will try? You will use every effort to win? 

FRITZ — (Draws her to him.) Yes, because I love you! 

RUTH — (Excited happiness.) Then go at once to fight for our happiness. 
Father may return any minute and he must not find you here. 

FRITZ — (Kisses her.) I'll win because of love and you. (Exit FRITZ. 

14 



RUTH hurries to unndows and loaves a happy farewell to him. Return^ MRS. W.J 

MRiS. W. — (Excited.) Quick, Ruth, your father is coming back with Tim 
Martin. (Shakes MEREDITH.) Meredith, wake up and come to your room. 

MEKEiDI'T'H — (Startled as two women pull him hurriedly from room.) 
What's up? What's the matter? 

RUTH — Come to your room. Father is coming back. (Exit all L. door.) 

(Enter R. door DR. W. and TIM.) 

DR. W. — ^Sit down, Tiim. I wish to have a tallv with you. 

TIM — (Embarrassed and s^illen. Slightly under the infhience but not 
enough to stagger.) You Loolv. solemn enough to preach a funeral sermon, Dr. 
Wellington. 

DR. W. — ^What I have to talk over with you is graver than death, for death 
miay lead to life eternal while that of which I am going to speak leads to damna- 
tion. 

TIM — (Moving %ineasy on his chair. Looking away from DR. W. as though 
afraid to look him in the eye.) Say, do you know this is Wednesday, Dr. 
Wellington? 

DR. W. — (Surprised.) Yes. Why do you ask? 

TIM — ^Because you started out as though you thought you were running a 
Sunday School and I was some unwashed, unsaved kid of ten. 

DR. W. — (Gravely.) You are unfortunately more in the need of religion 
than a child of ten. 

Tim — Say, who put you up to this? 

DR. W. — Your mother. 

TIM^ — ^So I thought. (Sullen indifference.) I suppose she told you I was 
going to bow-bows, that I drank like a fish and that it was high time some one 
saved me from meeting with the Old Gent down there. 

DR. W.- — (Severely.) She told me you drank to excess. 

'TIM — (Anger.) There are others, and you want to remember that people in 
glass houses shouldn't throw stones. 

DR. W. — (Starts. Uneasy and surprised.) What do you mean to infer, Tim? 

TIM — (Rises.) Nothing, only you can tell mother for me that I won't 
stand for her going around talking about me. I'll do as I damn please — I beg 
your pardon — ■ and if she doesn't like — well — 

DR. W. — (Rises also. Very stern.) Timothy Martin, do you realize that 
you are talking of your mother, that it is. thanks^ to her that you have an educa- 
tion and are in position to become a gentleman. I, alone, perhaps, know of her 
struggles against poverty. I have seen her go without food that you might ha;ve 
■plenty. I watched many a night the Light in her little cottage burn until morn- 
ing that she might earn enough withi her needlje to make a man of you and in- 
stead you have become a disgrace to yourself and to the world. 

TIM — (Moved.) iSay, cut it out! 

DR. W. — No, I must speak. It is my duty to remind you what you owe 
that woman whose heart you are breaking, whose head you cause to be bowed in 
shame, whose days you are undoubtingly shortening. 

TIM — (Makes to R. door.) If you won't quit I'll go. I don't want to give 
yoai the satisfaction of bawling me out. (Exit TIM.) 

DR. W. — (Looks after him. for a second then crosses to L. and Calls.) Alice! 
Alice! (Enter MRS. W.) 

MRS. W. — (Looks at DR. W. uneasy.) Did you call me, Theodore? 

DR. W. — (Shortly.) Yes. Has Meredith come home? 

MRS. W. — (More uneasy.) Yes, he was sick. He had another spell with 
his heart. I had him lie down. 

DR. W. — (Frowning.) Why don't you get a doctor when he's sick like that? 

MRS. W. — (Very nervous. Picks up sewing to hide emotion.) We're going 
to consult one tomorrow. 

DR. W. — It should be done at once. As I was coming from Mrs. William- 
son's several people told m& they had seen Meredith and that he looked queer. 
I told them about his heart trouble and one or two had mysterious smiles I 
didn't like. 

MRS. W, — You know how mean people are, how they always put the wrong 
construction on everything! 

]3R. W. — It is because 1 do that the boy must be looked after without delay. 
You know he staggers when he has those dizzy spells. The next thing we know, 
peopLfr will say he drinks. 

MRS. M. — (Off stage R.) You mustn't go in. Dr. Wellington doesn't want to 
see you. (DR. W. turns, MRS. W. rises in alarm. Enter MACELER.) 

15 



MACKLEJR — (Toivering rage.) (Send your woman away. I don't want to 
hurt her feelings if I can help. 

DR. W. — (Collected anger.) Didn't I tell yooi not to come back here again? 

MA'CKLER — I didn't intend to, but your girl is trying to take my son from 
me and I won't stand for it! 

DR. W. — I don't know what you're talking about. 

MAOKLER — Do you mean to tell me that you do not know that your girl 
called my son over just now to tell him that she would only marry him if I con- 
sented to give up my business and he refuse to use any of my money because 
it was blood^money! 

DR. W. — (Surprised.) I assure you I know absolutely nothing of this. 
Alice, did Ruth have an interview wtih young Madder? 

MRS. W. — (Frightened and trembling.) Yes, Theodore, she wanted to try to 
win him over to our cause and I gave her permission to see him once more. 

MACKLER— Eh, you see! 

DR. W. — My daughter did right, sir. I am glad she made the attempt. 

'MACKLER — You are! ( Increasi?ig anger.) I'm going to tell you right here 
that I won't stand for it. I forbid you to carry the fight in my home! 

DR. W. — It is my duty to fight the curse wherever it is found! 

MACKLEIR — (Blind anger.) Then start the fight in your own home, you 
hypoerite! 

MRS. W. — (Goes to Mm with extended hands.) Mr. Mackler! 

DR. W. — (Pushes her aside.) Alice, let me attend to this. (MRS. W. leans 
weakly against machine.) Explain yourself, sir! 

MACKLER — (Proxully.) It's easy to explain. I, Brewer Mackler, have made 
of my son a man! You, Preacher Wellington, have allowed yours to become 
a drunkard! 

DR. W. — (Leaps at him.) You lie! 

MACKLiER — You can prove my words. About an hour ago your son came 
home full as a tick. Call him in and if he has a speck of manhood left, he'll 
tell the truth! 

MRS. W. — (Wrings her hands.) Mr. Mackler! Mr. Mackler! 

DR. W.—(Goes to L. door. Calls.) Meredith, Meredith! (MRS. W. rushes 
toward door, he holds her back.) Alice, you stay here! (A pause, he calls.) 
Ruth, Ruth! (Enter RUTH, who looks around in af right.) Ruth, bring your 
brother here at once! (Exit RUTH, frightened. Returns with MEREDITH, 
tvho at first looks around him. dazed, then begins to understand.) Meredith, look 
me in the eye. (MEREDITH looks up, then hastily lotoers Ms eyes.) Is it so 
what they tell me, you drink? (MEREDITH does not answer.) Speak, sir, I 
must have an answer! (MEREDITH'S head drops in utter shame. DR. W. 
understands. Hoarse agony.) My God! 

MACKLER — (Sneering laugh.) Now that you s^ee you have work to do at 
home, I hope you'll leave me and mine alone. (Exit MACKLER.) 

DR. W. — (A second silence. MEREDITH remains with lowered head, RUTH 
looks at her father in breathless terror, MRS. W. wrings her hands, silent de- 
spair. DR. W. looks from one to the other in agony and anger combined.) So 
those fainting spells were only an excuse to hide your real condition? (l<[o 
one answers. Rising anger.) Everybody knew the ruth but me, and you, Alice, 
helped to deceive me! 

MRS. W. — (Frightened and pleading.) Theodore, I assure you — I — 

DR. W. — 'That will do. (Sudden resolution.) Meredith Wellington, this is 
no place for a drunkard. There is the door. Go and never darken it again. 

MEREDITH — (Pleadingly.) Father, don't say that! Let me try again! 

MRS. W. — (Clings to DR. W.'s arm.) Theodore, he is your son! 

RUTH — (Hands extended in pleading.) Give him another chance. 

DR. W. — (Hesitates, then tvith firmer resolution.) No, I always advised 
others to use strong measures, I will not shrink myself now that I have the 
problem to face. Go, sir, and only return when you have become a man. 

MRS. W. — (MEREDITH with lowered head- and despairing gait, makes to 
R. door. MRS. W. stops him. Wild entreaty to DR. W.) Theodore, do you 
realize what you are doing! Sending this weak, unfortunate boy alone into 
the world of temptation to fight by himself the unequal battle of his weakness 
against the call of appetite. Can't you see that he needs the support, the protec- 
tion of home, love and mother! 

DR. W. — (Turns away Jiis head. Tones less firm.) He had them all, yet he 
fell. (Resolutely.) No, let him go! 

RUTH — (Goes to DR. W.) Father, if I promised to give up Fritz Mackler, 

\ 

16 



if I sacrificed my love and my life's happiness to your wishes, will you consent 
to give Meredith another trial? 

DR. W. — (Sudden anger.) You will never marry that man! 

RUTH — (Angry resolution.) Om the contrary I will! The 'day Meredith 
leaves this home, ordered out by you, I go across the street to Brewer Mackler's 
hom© as his son's wife! 

MRS. W. — (Equally resolute.) And I go with my son! 

DR. W.— (Looks first at RUTH, then at MRS. W. and lastly to the crushed 
and shamed MEREDITH. Hesitates a second, then gives in.) Very well, re- 
main, only remember with your first drink you leave this home forever. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT II. 

SOENB I. 
STREET BEFORE, PAT MURPHY'S SALOON. 

Backdrop represents a street with cut windows for ilight effect in night 
scene. Set in 4. From R. 1 to R. 3 la house piece reipresenting a saloon with 
front of practical glass to be smashed. Wood wings L. Lamp post practical 
with three fancy globes up stage L. 

Night effect at opening of Scene I. Bunches back of back drop, white 
lengths back of saloon window and door. Lights in street lamp full up. Blues 
full up. 

(At rise TOM is sitting on beer keg before saloon smoking. People pass 
from R. to L. and from L. to R. doivn stage. Enter DICK with tioo other men 
from L. cross to saloon.) 

DICK — (To man before saloon.) Come in with us and have one on me, TOM. 

TO'M — (Rises lazily.) Don't care if I do. (Men enter saloon.) 

(Women of the streets enter L. laughing and talking.) 

SOOTTY — See the boys are going to take a few smiles. Wish we could get 
in on the deal. 

MAME — Won't mind a couple myself. (They walk on to saloon.) 

SCOTTY — (Sivings open saloon door.) ,Say there, don't drink up everything. 
We may get dry at our place tonight. Besides we'll need a supply for tomor- 
row. (Runs away a few steps from door laughing.) 

DICK — (Coming out and joining women.) El\ there Scotty. (Slips arm 
around her ivaist.) You bet we need a suppily, old girl, you and me both! 

SOOTTY — (Pushes him rudely aside, looks around uneasy.) Cut that out. 
Do you want me pinched. You know I'm not on good terms with the police 
at my place. 

REDDIE — Don't you pay enough? 

SCOTTY — It isn't a question of pay. It seems that the reform wave has 
struck even the cop's. (Enter JOE, L.) 

JOE — (Joins group.) Say, aren't the boys ready yet? The parade starts in 
fifteen minutes. 

RBDDIEi — (Coarse laugh.) 'They're afraid of a dry tomorrow and they're 
taking anti-dry treatment. 

JOE — G-ood Lord, they mustn't giet drunk! They've got to act like respect- 
able business men. (Hastens to exit in saloon. Enter MRS. M., who looks 
around, then exits again.) 

SCOTTY — iSay girls, did you see that woman? Doesn't she act queer? 

DICK — She most likely wants to "rush the can" and is afraid of us. Takes 
us for reformers. 

REDDIE^ — 'She must be color-blind if she can't tell from that mug of yours 
that you're not for reformation or any other 'ation' unless it be damnation. 

DICK — ^Say, but you're a clever kiddo! (Men come out of saloon folloioing 
JOE and followed by PAT.) 

JOEi — (As he hurries across stage to L.) Hurry up. We'll be late. 

PAT — ^Remember boys, there be free drinks for the bunch of ye when the 
parade be over. Make it lively and give the other side a run for their money. 

MEiN- — (As they exuent.) Trust us! 

SCOTTY — (Runs L. and calls after them.) Remember boys, none but the 
wets can have the fair. 



17 



RBDDIE— Say, but you're the candy Md, Pat. If all the boys were generous 
like you we'd win out big tomorrow. 

PAT^ — ^They ought to be if they've got any sense. A dry town would put 
us all out of business, you and me both. 

RBDCIE' — 'Don't I know it. (Enter MBS. M., who slowly advances to group, 
none of whom, notice her this time.) 

PAT — You'll get all the girls to turn out in full force, eh Reddle? 

RBDDIE^ — Sure Mike. We'll vote as often as they'll let us too, bet your 
sweet life. 

PAT — (Worried.) Well I sure be glad when tomorrow is over and we be 
knowing how the election went. 

MRS. M. — It sure won't go your way if my prayers are answered. 

PAT — (Starts back, then laughs.) By all that's holy if it isn't the old girl 
again. Say, who be you anny way? 

MRS. M. — 'Ah, you don't know me! 

PAT — Can't say that I do though I be seeing you quite often around me 
place:. You sure be not after a drink? 

MRS. M. — I am Tim Martin's mother. 

PAT — (Extends his hand.) Glad to know ye. Sure, Tim be me best 
customer. 

MRS. M.—(Goes to him in sudden afiger.) You wretch! 

PAT — (Pretends to be frightened.) Help, help, police! Don't be atin' me 
up. Don't strike me! 

iSCOTTY — 'Never mind Pat, we'll protect your scalp. (All laugh.) 

RBDDIE' — It's bald enough as it is. (Another laugh.) 

MRS. M. — You well know I don't want to strike him. (To Pat.) Listen to 
what I've been trying to tell you for the last month. I forbid you to sell Tim 
another drink or I'll have the law on you. 

[SCOTTY — Sure you will, oh you chicken! 

RBDDIE — She's old enough to be a hen. 

PAT — (To MRS. M. as he stvings from side to side and icinks at her.) Say, 
my little girl, your boy be not a minor as I knows of? 

MRS. M. — You give him drink when he's drunk. 

PAT — There you be wrong. If he be drunk so ye could notice it, I refuse 
to let him drink in me place. 

MRS. M.^But you give him a pint or even a quart bottle of whiskey. 

PAT — ^Sure and I do. It be me business all right. I be running a saloon, 
not a Sunday School. 

MRS. M. — Is there no law to stop this! 

TAT— ( Leans toivard her and winks.) None, me beauty. 

MRS. M. — (Anger.) Very well, I'll make a law of my own if the voters of 
this city don't make one tomorrow. The first time you sell drink to my son 
and I know it, I'll com© here and wreck this place if it's the last thing I do on 
earth. 

PAT — (Laughs. To the women.) The devil take me if it isn't a Carrie 
Nation, begorra. 

MRS. M. — (Quite dignity.) Not a Carrie Nation but a miother who wants 
to save her boy. That tells you I mean what I say. (Turns and walks to L. 
Women follow her, mimic her walk. She turns, they bow. Pityingly.) You 
poor, poor creatures. (Exit MRS. M., L.) 

SCOTTY — ^She's liberal with her symipathy. (Sees MAME who has walked 
to lamp post against ivhich she leans in discouraged attitude. Goes to her.) 
Say, Mame, what's the matter? Are you sick? 

MAME — (Tired voice.) Oh, no. Only I sometimes remember I had a mother 
too! 

SCOTTY — (Hits her on shoulder.) Better cut that out, Mame. We can't 
afford to have long faces. (T'lM enters from saloon. Scotty sees him.) Why 
here's Tim. (Hurries to him followed more slowly by MAME.) 

R/EDDIE. (Takes TIM by arm.) Say kid, your mamma is going to spank 
j^ou! 

SCOTTY — You bet! Only tonic yoii can have is water! 

TIM — (Half drtmk and sullen.) Was my mother here? 

-SCOTTT — Bet your boots she was and she's coming back too! Ask Pat! 

TIM — (To PAT.) What was the old woman up to? 

PAT — ^She be talking of wrecking me saloon if I give you another drink. 

TIM — She's as crazy as a bedbug. If she doesn't dry up pretty soon I'll 
quit the whole business and hike out of town. Say, Pat, got any more election 
cigars? I'm out. (Pat gives him cigar.) 

18 



REDDIE^ — (Looking toward.) Quick girls, skiddoo. Here's Bill. Ta, ta, 
boys. (Exuent women running, L. as Bill enters from R.J 

PAT— (To officer.) Hello, Bill. 

BILL— Hello, Pat. (Exits L.J 

PAT — (Anxious.) Ye don't suppose your mother be making me trouble, 
do you? 

TIM — (Shrugs his shoulders in sullen indifference.) The drys will save her 
the trouble, by the looks of things they'll win out big tomorrow. 

PAT' — Holy Mither, ye don't be majnin' it? 

TIM — (Throws away cigar which he has just lighted.) Say, Pat, this cigar 
is vile enough to drive a man to drink. (Drunken laugh.) I suppose that's 
the reason you hand them around. 

PAT — (More anxious.) But be ye maning it about the city going dry? 

TIM — Sure I do and do you know who's doing it? 

PAT— Faith and I don't. Who is it? 

TIM — Meredith Wellington, your old customer and my chum. 

PAT — By all the saints, you don't mean it. I did hear he be reformed, but 
I didn't suppose he — 

TIM — That he is trying to reform others? Say, where have you toeen then. 
He's been addressing meeting after meeting on thie temperance question. Why, 
even tonight, he's to address -the big rally. My mother thinks he is a little tiii- 
god ! 

PAT — (Consternation.) I've been sick. First time I've been down in ten 
days. Why, Tim,, me boy, I be ruined if they close me place. What can I do to 
earn me living without work. 

TIM — ^Do like me, hike out of town. 

PAT — And ye say Meredith Wellington is doing all this? 

TIM — (A number of people have been passing at the back all going toward 
the R.) Sure. See the crowd is already starting out for the opera house. 

PAT — (A second silence. Seizes TIM by arm.) Darkly.) Timy, Wellington 
mustn't spiake at the rally tonight. 

TIM — ^Only one way to stop him that I know of? 

PAT— How's that? 

TIM — -Have him take one drink. 

PAT — (Determination.) He must take that drink! 

TIM — Easy to say but harder to do. 

PAT — Tim, ye be owing me fifteen dollars. 

TIM — (Carelessly.) I guess I do. 

PAT — (Gets nearer to TIM.) I he caMing it square and give ye twenty 
besides if ye see that Wellington don't spake tonight. 

TIM — ^Fifteen and twiemty make thirty-five. Better make it an even fifty, 
then, perhaps, I'll talk business. 

PAT— Fifty it be then! 

TIM — All right. Skiddoo in the bar and get me a pint bottle. 

PAT — Exit Bar.) I'll bring you a quart. (TIM ivalks down stage, then 
hurries back to saloon. Return PAT.) Here ye be. 

TIM — Make yourself scarce, I just saw his holy higlhness, Meredith, coming 
this way and I'll see what I can do. Get! 

PAT — (As he hurries to exit.) May the saints be aiding you, 'Tim boy. 

TIM — '(Impatient.) Don't ask the saints, idiot. Leave it to me. (Enter 
MEREDITH, L. PAT rapid exit saloon. MEREDITH walks rapidly, turning 
his head atvay from saloon as though he feared to look in that direction. TIM 
walks up to him barring the way.) Hey there, Wellington, what's the rush? 
Where are you going so fast? 

BREi'DTTH — I'm going to the rally. Better come along with me, Tim. 

TIM — ^All rigth, only there's plenty time. Let's wait here and see the 
parade go by. (Tries to pull MEREDITH toward front by saloon.) 

MEREDITH — (Holding back.) Tim, I can't wait here, I must get out of 
this neighborhood. I came this way almost in spite of myself. 

TIM — {Laughs and pulls him a little nearer.) It's a drink you want. I 
know the feeling. Let's have one before going to the meeting. 

MER-EDITH — (Pulls away a little.) You know I've given up drinking. 

TIM — Oh yes, so I heard, but just one drink couldn't hurt. (Pulls him 
toward saloon.) Come along. It will cure your nervousness. 

MBREiDITH — (With weakening decision.) No, Tim, you know that when I 
take one glass I can't stop. 

TIM— Get out, that's all tommy-rot. Come on, be a man. (Pulls MEREDITH.) 

MEREDITH — (Pulls back. Pitieously.) Don't tempt me, Tim. Didn't you 

19 



understand just now when I said the craving for liquor was so strong upon me 
as to force me to pass this place because I know that it can be satisfied in there? 

TIM — All the more reason for taking a drink. It will quiet your nei-ves. 

MBRiEIDITH — (Firvily.) No, I've miade up my mind and won't do it. 

TIM — No one will ever know. 

MEREDITIH — Tim, if father knew I entered a saloon again he'd disown me. 

TIM — (Takes bottle from pocket.) I see, you're afraid the governor would 
hear of your going in a saloon. Then take this. He won't know. Drink, 
there's no one in sight. Drink. (Re^noves cork and brings bottle to MERE- 
DITH'S face.) 

MEREDITH — (Pushes it loeakly from him. Great agony.) Remember Tim, 
how its very smell effects me! 

TIM — (Drinks from bottle, smacks his lips. MEREDITH looks at him as 
though fascinated.) 'Say, but it's good. Murphy's best brand and no mistake. 
(Puts bottle in MEREDITH'S hand then slowly raises the hand until the bottle 
touches MEREDITH'S lips.) Come, be a man, and don't let a ;lot of old. women 
make you think you're a baby. 

MEREDITH — (After a last struggle, drinks, then tvith a cry of despair 
throws the bottle from him.) My God what have I done! (Throivs bottle away 
as head sinks in utter discouragement on bosom.) 

TIM — (Laughs.) One would think it was poison instead of good whiskey. 

(A number of men enter from L. and cross to R.) 

ONE MAN — (Pauses.) Are you coming, Wellington? 

TIM — (Answering hurriedly.) Yes, we're coming. Meredith is waiting for 
the parade. (Exit man with others.) 

MAN— All right. 

TIM — Let's have another drink then we'll go to the meeting. 

MEREDITH — I Talking to himself.) After five months of struggles! (Dis- 
couraged.) Ah, well! 

TIM — That's the stuff. (Draivs MEREDITH to saloon.) It'll brace you up 
old boy. (Across together to saloon, as MACKLER and FRITZ enter from L.) 

MA}CKL>FiR—(Laughi7ig.) T'hat parade of the wets— (TIM and MEREDITH 
enter saloon.) 

FRITZ— My God! 

MACKLER — (Turns to him startled.) Now what's the matter! 

FRITZ — ^M'eredith Wellington has just entered Pat Murphy's saloon. 

MACKLEIR — Only that! I thought you had seen something terrible. 

FRITZ — It is terrible, since after his first drink he can't stop until dead 
drunk. 

MACKLER — (Inwatiently.) Again, what is that to you. Are you not 
through with the whole bunch? 

FRITZ — Father, I love that girl more than ever. 

MACKLER — (Disgusted.) Much good it does you since she won't have you. 

FRITZ — She had to sacrifice her happiness for her brother's salvation. Did 
I not tell you a hundred times? 

MACKLIEIR — (Sneeringly.) From the looks of things she is wasting her 
time. 

FRITZ — (Makes toward saloon.) I must get him out of there before it is 
too late. 

MACKLER — (Holds him. back.) Now what are you going to do? 

FRITZ — (Resolutely.) I am going to save Meredith Wellington. 

MACKLER — (Still holding him back.) Fritz, mind your own business. 

FRITZ — It is my business, father. It is the business of any honorable man 
to save a fellow man when he can. 

MACKLER — You can't save him. A man can't be saved unless he is willing 
to be. You can try, but you'll never get that weak fool to follow you. (Lets 
FRITZ go.) 

FRITZ — (Goes to saloon.) I will at least make an attemipt. 

MACKLER^All right. I'll wait for you, hurry. (Exit FRITZ in saloon. 
MACKLER takes cigar and lights it. In the distance off to R. sound of children's 
voices singing, Omvard Christian Soldiers, very soft and low. MACKLER looks 
up listening.) The dry's parade coming this way. (Return FRITZ without 
MEREDITH.) Well? 

VKITZ— (Discouraged.) He would not come. Poor Ruth! Poor Mrs. Well- 
ington! 

MACKLER — Didn't I tell you! (In saloon men began singing a drinking 
song. While off R. children's voices become louder and louder until the parade 
appears.) 

20 



FRITZ — Come let's go away. (Exuent two off R. Singing behind scenes 
grows louder and several men from saloon come out. Parade of children ond 
women with men carrying temperance banners and children waving flags as 
they march singing back stage coming from, R. to L. The men in front of saloon 
laughing and cheering in derision, waving to the older girls, throwing them 
kisses, etc. Parade passes.) 

MAN — (Laughing.) Come on, let's get a drink on that! (Men enter saloon. 
Enter MRS. M. and RUTH from L. MRS. M. walks on ahead. RUTH when 
passing saloon pauses suddenly, just as MEREDITH comes out with TIM.) 

MBRBDITH— ri?apt(i exit.) Sis of all people. 

RUTH — Meredith. (Makes as though to folloiv him. MRS. M., ivho has 
completely exit, returns.) 

MRS. M.— What's the matter, Ruth? 

RUTH — (Trying to hide her emotion.) I forgot something at home, Mrs. 
Martin. Go on ahead. I'll join you shortly. (MRS. M. hesitates then exits R. 
just as FRITZ enters from L. RUTH icaits until MRS. M. has disappeared then, 
ivithout seeing FRITZ makes resolutely to saloon door.) 

FRITZ — (Leaps forward and pulls her back.) Where are you going? 

RUTH — (Breathless emotion.) In there to get my brother. 

FRITZ — (Pulls her farther back as she struggles to get away from him.) 
Impossible! That's no place for a respectable woman. 

RUTH— You admit it then! 

FRITZ — Alias, yes, but come away from the door. You mustn't even be seen 
before the place. 

RUTH — (Struggling.) I must save my brother. 

FRITZ — (Sadly.) It can't be done. I have just tried and failed. 

RUTH — (In despair.) I may have more influence than you. 

FRITZ — ^He is beyond control. He is no longer responsible for his actions. 

RUTH — If father knows of this he will disown him and it will kill mother. 

FRITZ — All we can now do is to try to hide the truth from your father and 
give Meredith time to become himself again. 

RUTTH — (Tries to again make to saloon.) That's the reason I must get him 
home at once. 

FRITZ — ^Let me go in there and bring him out to you. (MEREDITH comes 
out of saloon with Tim.) 

MEREDITH — (Does not see RUTH who is by lamp post.) Come on, the 
coast is clear. Let's go paint the town red! 

RUTH — (Rushes to him, and clings to his arm.) Meredith, how could you — 
tonight of all nights. 

MBREDITIH — (Pushes her rudely aside.) None of your preaching. I won't 
stand for it! 

RUTH — ^But father, Meredith, remember father! 

MEREDITH— Oh, hell, I'm not afraid of him or of liis crowd of old hens. 

RUTH — (Greater despair.) Think of mother, then. This will kill her! 

MEREDITH— iShut up and let me alone. Come on, Tim. 

RUTH — (Holds him back.) Meredith, Meredith, come home with me! 

FRITZ- — Come on, Meredith, home is the best place for you. (Seizes other 
arm.) 

TIM — (Sneeringly.) Go on little boy, let them tie you again to mamma's 
apron strings! 

MEREDITH — Not by a jug full! Now you two leave me alone. (Pushes 
both aside.) I'm my own boss and ain't any one else going to tell me what to 
do. Here's my badge of freedom. (Draws a whisky bottle from pocket, flaunts 
it in RUTH'S face, then turns to TIM, locks his arm. Come on, old boy. Sing! 
Exeunt two men.) 

RUTH — (Tries to follow him.) Meredith! 

FRITZ — (Holds her back.) Ruth, are you mad. You can't follow those 
drunken men! 

RUTH — ^Qne of those men is my brother. He must be saved at any cost! 
(Struggles with FRITZ ivho holds her back by force.) 

FRrTZ — Not at the cost of a scandal. Ruth, can't you see that he is beyond 
control. 

RUTH — I dont' care. He must go home. Father must not know! Fritz, 
if you love me, please let me go! 

21 



FRITZ — I can't let you disgrace yourself. Oh, I can't tell you how sorry 
I am! 

RUTH — 'Then prove it tomorrow by voting against — THAT! (Points to 
saloon then breaks from FRITZ and exits L. follotoed hy FRITZ.) 

CURTAIN. 



SCENE II. 
Same as Scene I. The next day at 5 p. m. Election day. White lights full 
on. Bunches back of drop and street lamp off. Saloon closed. People of all 
types passing and repassing from both sides. Two newsboys run ful tilt across 
stage calling "Extre, Extre." 

1ST NEWSY — (Addressing a passerby.) Extre, mister, all 'bout the election. 

2ND NEWSY— Paper, paper, extre, Mister. 

MAN — No. (Tries to ivalk on.) 

2ND NEWiSY — ^Oh, come on, buy a paper. Be a sport. (Sells paper. Runs 
after another man.) Extre, mister, latest 'lection news. (Sells another paper, 
other boys enter from, other side.) 

BOYS— Extre, Extre! 

2ND NEWSY- Say, guys, how's de luck. What'chu sold. 

3RD NEWSY — ^Mighty slow for 'lection day. Look at me pile o' papers left. 

2ND NEWSY — 'Why don't you keep yes glims rubbed up and hustle round. 
(Runs after a man toho is entering.) Paper, Mister. (Sells paper.) Dat's de 
way to do it. See? 

1ST NEWSY — iSay, Jimmy, git on to de new step what I coped at de show 
last night. (Boys crotvd around patting while boy dances.) 

4TH NEWSY — (Enters from L. as PAT eyiters from R. and goes to saloon 
door to see if it is properly closed.) (Extre, extre, extre. City's going dry. 

PAT — By all that's howly. Eh, boy, bring me a paper. (Boy brings paper 
which Pat hastens to read.) 

NEWSY — (As they exeunt in all directions.) Eixtre, extre. (MRS. M. has 
appeared coming from, L. She hands slips of paper to each person as they pass 
her.) 

MRS. M. — (As a man passes her going toivard R.) Read, sir, before you vote. 
(Man takes paper and begins to read as he walks on, PAT looks up.) 

PAT — (Goes to man.) What be that old hen a saving you? 

Man — (Reads.) A mother's plea for a dry state! (Laughs.) Doesn't sound 
promising for you, eh Murphy? 

PAT — ^Begorra I must stop her. She is trying to ruin me business. (Goes 
to MRS. M., seizes her rudely by the arm.) You be getting out of here, you 
vixen! 

MRS. M. — (Pulls herself again. Very scornfully.) This is a public street! 

PAT — Ye be too near the polls. Ye git away or I be calling the police and 
they sind ye away. 

MRS. M. — I won't go until I am forced to. 

PAT— All right ihin, its force you I will. (Exit PAT off R.) 

(Enter DR. and MRS. W. and RUTH. L.) 

DR. W. — 'What is Mrs. Martin doing? Wait here while I go see. (Goes to 
MRS. M. 

MRS. W. — (Anxious.) Ruth, something has surely happened to Meredith. 

RUTH^ — (Nervous.) Why no mother. He must be working for the cause in 
some of the wards. 

MRS. W. — ^But he did not speak at the rally nor did he come home. 

RUTH — Did I not tell you he was called to make another speech in the fifth 
ward that was surely going wet? 

MRS. W. — ^The papers didn't speak about it. Your father doesn't beli©\'e it. 
He thinks Meredith has broken his word. 

RUTH — (More nervous.) We — we surely would have heard of it if he had. 

MRS. W. — Then he has met with an accident and your father will not let 
me notify the police. 

RUTH — (Hurriedly.) He is right! We must not call the police, they 
might — 

MRS. W. — (Seizes RUTH by arm.) You know something. 

RUTH^ — (Looks aioay.) What could I know, mother? Have I not been with 
you all day? 

PAT — (Enters tcith officer.) There she be, officer. Do your duty! 

RUTH — 'Why mother, they're going to arrest Mrs. Martin! (They advance 
to group.) 

22 



DR. W. — ^Officer, the lady did not know the rules about influencing voters 
near the polls. She is a poor woman whose son has taken to drink and she had 
these pamphlets printed at her own expense without telling any one. She be- 
longs to no party and has authority from no one to do this. She is simply a 
mother pleading for the salvation of her wayward boy. (Hands a pamphlet to 
officer.) 

OFFICER — (After glancing at paper.) Let her obey the rules and FH say 
nothing. (Turns to go.) 

DR. W.— (Draws MRS. M. to L.) Come, Mrs. Martin, I'll explain. 

PAT — (Holding officer hack.) Be ye not going to arrest her? 

OFFICER— rWa/fcs atvay R.) Not this time. 

PAT — (Hurries off L.) I be telling the police on you thin! (Exit.) 

MRS. M. — (Surprised.) What have I done that they want to arrest me? 

DR. W. — ^The law forbids talking to voters within one hundred feet of the 
poJJs. 

MRS. M. — (Eagerly.) Then if I'd go far enough they can't stop me? 

DR. W.— No. 
MRS. M. — Then I must not lose a minute. (Exit MRS. M., L.) 

DR. W. — (Looks after her.) Poor Mrs. Martin, she miust have spent over 
twenty dollars to get the.se pam-phlets printed. 

MRS. W.— What are ^hey about? 

DR. W. — 'About her struggles and Tim's downfall. Come let us go help her 
by casting our votes in the right direction. Her's is not the ohly son in danger. 

MRS. W. — (Anxious as they loalk on.) What do you mean, Theodore? 

DR. W. — Nothing. Come on. (Exeunt DR. and MRS. W. followed by RUTH 
after she has hurried- to saloon arid looked in icindow as though seeking hei\ 
brother. Off R. Enter MACKLER and FRITZ in machine from L.) 

MACKLEiR — (To driver of car.) This is far enough. I don't want to get 
in that crash of machines in the side street. (Jumps from car.) Come, boy, 
wie need every vote today. 

FRITZ — I'm not going to vote today. (Keeps his seat in machine.) 

MACKLER— ('W/io has walked a feiv steps away returns in surprise.) 
What's that! 

FRITZ — (Firmly.) I am not going to vote, father. 

MACKLER— Are you mad! 

FRITZ— I think not. 

MACKLEIR— Then what's the matter with you? 

FRI'PZ — The matter is that my conscience will not allow me to vote the 
wet ticket and that for your sake I will not vote dry. 

MACKLER — (Sudden anger.) That accursed preacher and his girl again. 
Let them look out, I'll — (Confused cries and voices coining from R. FRITZ 
leaps from machine and hastens forward.) 

FRITZ — What's that? (Looks, then makes to hurry forward.) Great God, 
Meredith Wellington! 

MACKLER — (Holds him back.) Don't you get mixed up in no drunken fight. 

(Enter MEREDITH, crazed with drink, struggling with two men who try to 
hold him back.) 

MEREDrTH — (Striking right and left.) Let me be! I tell you I must have 
a drink. (Gradually during scene a crowd gathers from, all sides. MEREDITH 
breaks from, men and goes to saloon door, kicks it madly. Enter PAT running 
on from L.) 

PAT"— Quit that, ye be ruining me door. (Tries to seize MEREDITH loho 
strikes him knocking him over. FRITZ breaks from MACKLER and rushes 
forioard with two other men. They try to seize MEREDITH loho strikes madly 
R. and L.) 

MEREDITIH — (Frees himself.) I'll get a drink in spite of the law! . 
(Breaks tvindoiv loith first, seizes a ivhiskey bottle, waves it madly above hii 
head, laughing, his hand bloody from broken glass which has crashed to the 
floor.) Drink! Drink! Everybody drink! (Takes C. stage.) 

PAT — (Rises and hurries off L.) Police, police! He be wrecking me place! 

MRS. M. — (Enters ivith crowd from L.) See what liquor does! 

MRS. W. — (Enters loith DR. W. and RUTH from, R. Rushes forward with 
scream.) My son! 

DR. W. — (Holds her back.) That man is no longer your son! 

RUTH — (Wrings her hands.) Meredith! 

FRITZ — (Tries to pull MEREDITH away.) Come away before the police 
gets here. 

MEREDITH — (Resists.) I'm not afraid of them. I'll drink if I pliease. This 

23 



is a free country! 

MRlS. W. — (Struggling to get away. Policeman enters from R. with Pat. 
Runs to MEREDITH and handcuffs him. MRS. W. wildly to DR. W.) Theodore, 
don't let them arrest him. He is your son. 

D'R. W. — (Holding her.) I have no son! 

FHITZ^ — (To Officer.) Officer, I am responsible for this man and stand good 
for any damage he has done. 

MACKLER — (Hurries forward.) Fritz Mackler, are you crazy? 

OFFICER — (Sound of gong of police patron off R.) I must run him in. 
Pulls MEREDITH off R.) 

MRS. W.— (Tries to go to him. Is held hack by DR. W. and RUTH. 
FRITZ bars the tvay. MRS. M. also holds her.) Meredith! Meredith! 

FRITZ — ^Mrs. Wellington, you m'ustn't go there. 

MRS. M. — You can do nothing. 

MRS. W. — (Struggling more madly.) But he is my son! Oh, they're putting 
him in that awful wagon! Let me save him! (Sound of gong ichich dies in 
distance.) Meredith, Meredith! (Gives last scream and faints. RUTH kneels 
beside her. DR. W. rushes forward. Crowd closes around her.) 

DR. W. — Get a carriage some one. 

FRITZ — iStand back. She must have air. (Crowd- moves back to sides and 
back leaving C. to principles. ■. 

RUTH — (Looks up in agony.) See what misery you and yours cause! 

FRITZ — And there is no way to stop it! 

RUTH — Yes there is and it lies in yonder ballot box! (Rises from her knees 
and addressing the crowd from beside her mother's side, occasionally bending 
over her as though looking for some sign of returning life.) You are all re- 
sponsible for this! See this poor mother, unconscious, perhaps dead! She is 
the victim of your neglected duties. Every drunkard in this city, every heart- 
broken wife and mother is your victim! The law gives you the power to save 
them and when you do not, you sin and that sin will some day be held against 
you in the final accounting. In the name of your own sons and daughters, your 
wives and your mothers, I ask you to right this wrong, to stop this blight, or 
some day the curse will strike home to you and you will become victims, victims 
of your own negligence! Vote, all of you vote and vote right! 

(During speech crotvd sneers and applauds according different opinions. At 
close RUTH drops back on her knees beside mother breaking into sobs as she 
lifts mother's head in her arms, bending hers down.) 

FRITZ— Ruth, I'll do my share! 

MACKLER — (Anxious, steps forward.) What do you mean? 

FRITZ — I mean, father, that for the first time I am going to vote — DRY! 

CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 

CHILDREN'S MISSION. 

Plain chamber set in 3. Back drop, street scene winter set in 4. Doors in 
R. of C. and L. 2. Window covered with frost and snow. In L. of C. toward 
back a decorated Christmas tree. R. down stage against wall a small mission 
organ. L. toward back a heating stove. C. down front an old table littered 
with strings of pop-corn, cranberry, tinsel, etc. A chair near table, another in 
front of Christmas tree, another by stove. Wooden benches pilled up at the 
back between window and door. Whirling snow to enter room every time door 
is opened. Howling of wind. 

Lights full up at rise to become gradually lower as twilight settles. Back 
of window dim light like on snowy afternoon. Light half down at entry of 
TIM. Interior lights full up when FRITZ turns on light. Blue limes back of 
window. 

At rise MRS. M. and two or three poorly dressed women are fiinishing 
decorating the Christmas tree. Beside organ a number of young people are 
practicing a Christmas carol. They finish song as curtain goes up. 

ORGANIST — (Turns at close of song.) How was that Mrs. Martin? 

MRS. M. — Very good. I think you don't need go over it again. 

ORGANIST — (Rises and gathers up music.) I don't think so either and as 
it is getting late, I guess we'd better go home unless you need us to help with 
the tree. 

24 



MRS. M. — ^Oh, no. We're just about through. 

UST WOMAN — Don't you think it'll look awful pretty when it's lit up? 

ORGANIST — (As she and young people put on wraps.) It's pretty as it is. 
How good Mr. Wilson is to give tree and make so many people happy. 

2ND WOMAN— He's always thinking of others. 

liST WOMAN — (Gratefully.) He certainly has done enough for us. Before 
he came my old man hadn't drawn a sober breath in ten years. Ail his money 
went to Dutch Pete's and me and the children a stai'ving. 

ORGANIST — I heard Bill hasn't touched anything in months. 

1ST WOMAN — Nor has he. He's as straight as a string and so good and 
kind. Mr. Wilson has a way of talking to people so they do just what he wants 
them. Oh I can never thank Mr. Wilson enough! 

ORGANIST — (Has finished putting on wraps. MRS. M. has been helping 
young people ivith their wraps.) Well, I guess we'd abetter go seeing we can do 
nothing. Come on girls. See you later, Mrs. Martin. 

MRiS. M. — (Accompanies them to door.) I hope it stops snowing. (Exeunt 
B. D. Organist and Singers. MRS. M. closes door, then returns to tree, climbs 
on chair.) Mrs. Willis, if you'liL hand me some more of those pop-corn strings, 
I guess I'll put a few more here at the top. ( Woman hands her strings. MRS. 
M. arranges them on tree.) 

2ND WOMAN — ^Have you heard how Mrs. Barker is today, Mrs. Martin? 

MRS. M. — 'Mr. Wilson was over early this morning. Dr. Wentworth told 
him she would live. 

1ST WOMAN — ^I'm so glad. Poor thing, she so wanted to live. Can't blame 
her though. A mother doesn't want lo leave five babies with a drunken brute 
like her man. 

'MRS. M. — Mr. Wilson is going to raise enough money to have him take 
some kind of a cure. He's one of the few who wont listen to reasoning. (Jumps 
down from chair. Surveys the tree.) I guess we can't do any more. It looks 
all right to me. 

IST WOMAN— It sure looks pretty. 

2ND WOMAN — (Throivs shaivl over head.) Then I'll hurry home as I 
still have Minnie's white dress to press out, unless you want me to help you 
straighten up things. 

MRiS. M. — ^Not at all. It'll take me but a few minutes to sweep up. 

IST WOMAN — If that's the case, I'll go too and see if I can't help poor Liz 
cook supper. She's been doing all the work since her mother was taken down. 

MR.S. M. — 'I'm glad you're going Mrs. Willis. Liz is willing and all that, 
but she's still a child. Tell Mrs. Barker I'll be over first thing in the morning. 
(Exeunt two ivomen. Mrs. M. takes up broom and begins sweeping. Enter PAP, 
an aged, half-blind beggar, bent and broken. Walks painfully with cane. Wears 
an old and torn G. A. R. cape. Covered with snow.) Why Pap, how does it 
■come you're out in this storm? Aren't you afraid for your rheumatism? 

PAP — (Advances and closes door. Broken voice quivering with age.) Giieet- 
Ings Mrs. Martin. I had to see Mr. Wilson so I came out in spite of the snow. 
Nellie told me he was back. 

MRiS. M. — He got home last night, but he's out just now. His being gone 
five days last week has naturally rushed him at the last minute. 

PAP— 'Did he go far? 

MRS. M. — Just to Johnson and Co., who sent him word they would donate 
six boys' overcoats for the Christmas tree. I expect him any minute now. 
(Brushes snoio from PAP'S coat.) I see it is still snowing. 

PAP — Yes, and by the pain in my joints it is likely to keep on all night. 

MRS. M. — Come by the fire and warm yourself. Why do you want to see 
Mr. Wilson this afternoon, Pap? (Pap hobbles to stove warming his back and 
facing audience.) 

PAP — I wanted to warn him about the Dago. 

MRS. M. — (Alarmed.) Abeniti? 

PAP — Yes, he swears to kill Mr. Wilson unless he gives him back his girls. 

MRS. M. — (Increased alarm.) But Mr. Wilson hasn't got them. They were 
sent to the State Home for Dependent Children. 

PAP — ^Somebody's told the Dago it was Mr. Wilson who reported him. 

MRS. M. — ^Nobody else would do it. All were afraid of Abeniti's nasty 
temper. You know that he beat his girls unmercyfully when drunk. Then he 
sent them for whiskey when he was too drunk to get it himseilf. 

PAP — ^Sure. He's drunk again tonight. 

MRS. M. — And you say he wants to kill Mr. Wilson? 

PAP — I heard him make the threat myself so I thought I'd better let Mr. 

25 



Wilson know. He may want to have him arrested. (FJnter MEREDITH rear 
door icith large bimdlc. MRS. M. hurries to him.) 

MiBRBDITH^Arrest who, Pap? 

MRS. M. — (Excited.) Abeniti. • He wants to kill you. 

MEREDITH — (Indifferently.) So everybody tells me. Half a dozen people 
stopped me on the way and suggested arrest. 

MRS. M. — ^Are you not going to have him arrested? 

MBREiDITH— Certainly not. Abeniti is fighting drunk, that's all. 

MRS. M. — It makes him a/LL the more dangerous. 

MEREDITH — 'I'm not afraid of him. (Anxipusly.) Did the postman leave 
any mail? 

MRS. M. — ^Just a paper. 

MEREDITH — (Disappointed.) Strange! 

MRS. M. — Were you expecting something, Meredith? 

MEREDITH — Yes, but it doesn't matter. (Makes to L. door.) I'll fix these 
overcoats and put them with the rest of the presents. 

PAP — Aren't you going to do something about the Dago? 

MEREDITH— If he comes I'll speak with him, that's all. (Exit MEREDITH 
L. door.) 

MRS. M. — (Looks after him.) He's simply afraid of nothing. Still some- 
thing must be done about Abeniti. 

PAP — I guess I'd better have a talk with Officer O'Fallon and he'll see that 
Abeniti is looked after for tonight. (PAP walks painfully to rear door.) I 
wouldn't worry if I were you, Mrs. Martin. I think I can fix this all right. 
(Exit PAP. MRS. M. remains in open door way a second looking at the whirling 
snow, then closes door, sighs deeply, lifts eyes to heaven in silent appeal. 
MEREDITH returns with overcoats. MRS. M. goes to ivindow and again looks 
out.) Oh. Tim, Tim! 

MOERBDITTH — (Places bundles on table and goes to MRS. i¥., places hand 
gently on shoulder.) You will find him some day, Mrs. Martin. 

MRS. M. — (Txirns. wiping her eyes.) I am beginning to doubt it. Tim must 
be dead. 

MBREiDITH — I can't think so. I have been advertising for him for over 
a year. He can't fail to come across the ad some time, then he'll come or write. 

MRiS. M. — (Walks away. Deep emotion.) I know, but when it storms like 
tonight I — (Voice breaks. With visible effort she overcomes her emotion.) You 
seem worried, Meredith. Has anything gone wrong with you? 

MEREDITH — (After a second's hesitation.) Mrs. Martin, I wrote mother. 

MRS. M.— ^W'hen? 

MEREDITIH — Last week. 

MRS. M. — ^Did you give her your address? 

MEREDITH— Yes. 

MRS. M. — And she isn't here! 

MEREDITH — ^I was only expecting a letter. 

MRiS. M. — A letter! Why child, unless she is deprived of motion, she'll be 
here on the next train. 

MERBDITH — (Eagerly.) Do you really think she might come herself? 

MRS. M. — ^Might, there's no might about it, she will come. If any one told 
me that Tim was anywhere on earth, don't you think I would go to him even if 
I had to walk every foot of the way. You should have told her where you were 
long ago. 

MERBDITH — I could not do that until I was sure of myself. 

MRS. M. — ^So you let her suffer. 

MEREDITH— ^I wrote her every month. 

MRS. M. — Yes, but in such a way she could not locate you. 

MERiBDrTH — ^I had to. I did not want her to join me and tli^eby make an 
irrepairable breach between her and father. She knew you were with me. But 
my struggles are now over and I feel father will forgive me when he knows 
that I have become a minister of the gospel. 

MRS. M. — You are not ordained! 

MERBDITH — Yes, since Wednesday. I went away for that. 

MRiS. M. — (Reproachfully.) And you never told me! 

MEREiDITH— It was to be my Christmas gift to you. 

MRiS. M. — ^The best you could have given me, Meredith boy. But under 
what name were yon ordained? 

MERE.DITH — Under my own. Mrs. Martin. I felt I had the right to resume 
my name now that I was sure I would no longer disgrace it. 

MRS. M. — (Deeply moved.) How proud and happy your mother will be! 

26 



MEREDITH — Your time will come some day, Mrs. Martin. 

(Rear door is thrown violently open and Dago enters. His face is flushed 
with drink, eyes vicious, skin dark, hair black and curly with an old greasy cap 
set sideways over ear, a red handkerchief tied around throat, an old- coat fastened 
at the neck hy a nail ran through the cloth. He swaggers -forward, swingingf^^ 
from side to side like a prize-fighter.) 

DAG-0 — (Voice hoarse with anger and drink.) I wanta that Wilson man! 
(MRS. M. scre'ams and throivs herself before MEREDITH as though to protect 
him.) 

MEREDITH — (Pushes her aside.) Step out of the road, Mrs. Martin, you 
might stop me from defending myself. (MRS. M. runs to rear door pausing be- 
fore exit. MEREDITH to DAGO.) I go under the name of Wilson. What can 
I do for you? 

nA'GO — (Advances threateriingly.) I wanta ma girls you taka from me? 

MEREDITH — You shall have them when you become worthy of looking 
after them, not before. 

DAGO — (Eyes flash viciously.) I wanta them righta awiay. 

MEREDITH— You will not have them. That's all. 

DAGO^ — (Leaps at him with dagger. MRS. M. screams, and exits.) Santa 
Maria, I killa you then! 

MEREDTTIH — (Holds him back with hand, looking him fearlessly in eye.) 
Abeniti! (DAGO backs.) Put up that dagger. (DAGO hesitates.) Put it up! 
(DAGO slowly obeys.) I know how you feel for I used to be a drunkard myself. 

DAGO — You drinka too much too! 

MEREDITH — Yes. That's why I am so sorry for you. Now go home and 
sober up. Tomorrow, when you are in your right senses, I will have a talk with 
you and we'U see what can be done to make a decent man of you. 

DAGO — (Draws dagger again.) You saya me no decent man! 

MEREDITH — (Again conquers him with a sterol look.) No drunken man is 
decent! 

DAGO — I wanta my daughters or I killa you sometimes! (Return MRS. M. 
with officer followed by PAP and several men.) 

OiPFIOElR^ — (Seizes DAGO and handcuffs him.) Come along with me. 

DAGO — (Struggles madly.) Leta. me go or I killa you too! 

MEREDITH — ^Let him go, O'Fallon, this is a personal matter. I don't care 
to have him arrested because of me. He doesn't know what he's doing. 

OFFICER — 'AH the more reason to put him where he can do no harm. 

MRS. M. — -Think of the children coming tonight. 

PAP — ^He might get a gun and do some shooting. 

MEREDITH— I hadn't thought of that. AH right, O'Fallon, take him. I 
will get him out in the morning. (OFFICER drags the rageing and struggling 
DAGO out rear door, followed by other men.) 

MRS. M. — (Clings half -hysterically to MEREDITH'S arm.) Thank God 
you"re saved! (FRITZ enters rear door. Hurries forward. 

FRITZ — ^What's the trouble? Were you hurt? 

MEREDITH — (Turns. Glad cry.) Fritz! (Hurries to him with out- 
stretched hand.) When did you get back from Panama? 

FRITZ — ^Last week. (Sadly.) I was unfortunately too late to see my father 
alive. 

MEREDITH — ^He did die suddenly. But is it true he disinherited you? 

FRITZ — Yes, he left everything to charity. It made little difference to me 
however, since I had to promise your father that I would never use any of his 
money. What I regret is that he shoaHd have died without having forgiven me. 
(Abruptly as though to hide his emotion.) But what was the trouble just now? 

MEREDITH — Just a drunk trying to kill me. (Anxiously.) Have you seen 
the foiLks lately? 

FRITZ — ^Just left them, Mrs. Wellington and Ruth came with me! 

MEREDITH — (Sudden emotion.) You don't mean that mother is here, in 
this city. 

FRITZ — ^We arrived about an hour ago. 

MRS. M.— Didn't I tell you so! 

MEREDITH — (Great joy.) Where is she? 

FRITZ — At the Willmont and can hardly wait to see you. I had a hard 
time pursuading her not to come out here in the slums. 

MEREDITIH — (Hurries off L. door.) I'll get my overcoat and go to hftjf. at 
once. (Exit.) 

FRITZ — (Extends hand to Mrs. M.) Pardon my not greeting you , 

27 



Mrs. Martin, but the excitement at the time of my entry, then Meredith's im- 
patience to have news — 

MRS. M. — I understand all right. Does Dr. Wellington know of their 
coming? 

FRITZ — Not exactly, but they left Meredith's letter where he could see it. 

MRS. M. — ^So he might come on the next train? 

FRITZ — 'I rather think he will, but Mrs. Wellington is afraid to hope. 
(Return MEREDITH toith overcoat.) 

MKREDlTll— (Pulls FRITZ to door.) Come quick! Think of it, Fritz! 
Five years! Five years! (Excited entry of BOY.) 

BOY — (Breathless.) Oh, Mr. Wilson, there's a crazy bum in the alley. The 
boys was teasing him and he tried to run after them but he fell down and now 
he can't get up. I guess he's dead! 

MRS. M.— Shall I notify the police, Meredith? 

MEREDITH — (Deep disappointment.) No, it is my duty to go myself. 
Mother will understand. You will go and explain. Tell her I'll come as soon 
as, I can. Fritz come with me, I may need you. Mat, show us the way. 
(FRITZ foUoivs boy out rear door, MEREDITH pauses before exit.) Remember. 
Mrs. Martin, at once to the Willmont. (Exit MEREDITH, MRS. M. hastens out 
L. door, returns almost immediately putting on her coat, her hat placed side- 
ways on her head to indicate her haste in dressing. Exit MRS. M. rear door 
leaving it open, snotv comes whirling in room. Off stage hack confused sound of 
voices ichich gradually become louder and- louder, then return MEREDITH and 
FRITZ supporting TIM, they are followed by half a dozen street arabs shivering 
under their rags. TIM is seated on chair near table. BOYS see the tree and 
rush to it, crowding around it. TIM'S face is partly concealed by his hair. 
Twilight has settled in.) 

MEREDITH — (After helping TIM to seat.) Fritz, turn on the lights. You 
boys run home to your mothers and get ready for tonight. 

BOY — Is that there tree for us? 

MEREDITH— Yes. Go, I say. 

BOY — Come on guys, let's skiddoo home. (Exeunt hoys. MEREDITH 
closes door after them. Returns to TIM. FRITZ has turned on the lights. 

MElREiDITH— Tim Martin! (MEREDITH brushes back TIM'S hair. Starts 
back.)- 

TIM — (Hoarsely.) Tim Martin is dead! 

FRITZ — You don't mean he's our Mrs. Martin's son? 

MBR'EiDVTU—(De7isely.) Yes. 

FRITZ— But he's insane! 

MEREDITH — (Bends close to Tim.) Tim, look at me! Don't you know 
me? Your old friend Meredith? 

TIM — (Looks up with stupid eyes, then gives sudden start of terror, crouches 
down on his chair.) Go away you ghost! Don't haunt me any more. Let me 
forget that I got him drunk that night! 

MEREDITH— What night? 

TIM — The night of the rally! Pat Murphy gave me fifty dollars to do it. 
(Laughs.) He didn't make his speech that night. I saw to it that he didn't. 
(Looks in pockets.) Where's that money? I want a drink! 

MEREDITH — Great God, can this be true! They made me drink for a 
purpose! 

FRITZ — They wanted the city to go wet! 

MEREDITH— And I was their tool! 

FRITZ — Yes, but a tool that turned against them, since it was because of 
you that I voted dry that day, and if you remember the city went dry by just 
one vote. It was that which my poor father never forgave. 

TIM — (Striking table icith hand, partly rising.) Hurry up, barkeep, get 
me a drink. I'm burning up. Drink! a drink! 

MEREDITH — (Trying to calm him.) Come, Tim, be quiet, you'll arouse the 
neighborhood. 

TIM — (Looks up then again starts back in terror.) There he is again! Go 
away you demon! Let m'e forget! Away, away! f Crouches back in chair.) 

FRITZ — ^Meredith, what if Mrs. Martin came back and saw her son in this 
condition? 

MEREDITH— It would kill her. 
wuat~i?.lTZ — We must get him away. 

MEREDITH — I'll lock him in my room and tell Mrs. Martin I'm sobering 
my nanunk. After she retires I'll call a doctor. If he can't be cured she need 

MRtiow he is her son. Come, Tim. (Two men lead the weak and stagger- 

28 



ing TIM out L. door. Second later rear door opens and MRS. W., RUTH and 
MRS. M. enter.) 

MRS. W. — (Enters first. Voice full of emotion. Looks aroiind.J Where 
is he? 

MRiS. M. — ^He may not have returned or he is in the living rooms baclt there. 

MRS. W. — (Hurries to L.J I'll go see. Enter MEREDITH from L. Each 
gives a cry of joy as they fall in each others arms. MRS. W. sobbing with joy.) 
My boy, my boy! 

MEREDITH — (Voice broken with emotion.) Mother! Mother! 

(MRS. M. walks to Christmas tree, her head bowed as though the sight of 
their joy hurt her. She ivipes her eyes from time to time. RUTH stands by 
MRS. W. and MEREDITH waiting for him to notice her. FRITZ returns from 
L.. joins RUTH. She places her hand on his arm and they look on with emotion 
at mother and son.) 

MRS. W.— (Looks at MEREDITH.) My own boy! Mine at last. Mine for- 
ever. (Clasps him to her again in joy and love.) 

MEREDITH — Yes, mother, dear mother! Oh, this moment is pay enough 
for all the struggles. (Sees RUTH.) Ah, sister! (Takes her in his arms, kisses 
her. MRS. W. crosses to MRS. M. and rests hand on her shoulder.) 

MRS. W. — Your time will come some day, Mrs. Martin. (MRS. M. sadly 
shakes her head. Tivo women talk in aside.) 

MEREDITIH — (Holds RUTH by hands.) I must thank you for what you've 
done for father and mother during my five years of struggles. 

RUTH — (Moved and happy.) 'To see what you have become is pay enough. 

MEREDITH — Thank you. When you have obtained father's consent, you 
must let me perform the ceremony. (Takes FRITZ hand and RUTH'S and 
joins them in both of his.) 

RUTH — iSure we will, eh, Fritz. Isn't it splendid that you shold be Rev. 
Wellington now! 

MRS. W. — (Draws MEREDITH to one side.) Tell me all about it, dear. 

(MRS. M. busies herself about tree. RUTH and FRITZ cross to organ. 
RUTH begins to play the opening bars of "Where Is My Wandering Boy To- 
night." MRS. M. turns, her face expressive of a sudden emotion, MRS. W. 
looks up.) 

MRS. W. — Is not that the song you were always singing when sewing for 
us, Mrs. Martin? 

MRiS. M. — Yes, I sang it all the time at home when Tim was there, hoping 
it might touch him. 

MEREDITH — (Rises.) Then that song is associated in his mind with you? 

MRS. M.— Yes. Why do you ask? 

MEREDITH — It must be the answer to my prayer. Mrs. Martin, put on 
your coat and get Dr. Wentworth at once. (All astonished.) 

MRS. M. — (As he forces her into her coat.) Dr. Wentworth, what for? 

MEREDITH — You will know when you return. Go without question. 
(Pushes her out rear door.) 

MRiS. W.— What's the matter, Meredith? 

MEREDITH — ^Mother. I have Tim Martin locked in my room back there. 
Drink has temporarily wrecked his reason and I now hope that the hearing 
again of that song his mother used to sing may return him to his senses. 

RUTH — ^Why send for a doctor? 

MEREDITH — ^To get Mrs. Martin out of the way, besides Tim is very sick 
and the shook may prove fatal. Now, Ruth, I want you to sing, sing with 
heart and soul in every note, sing as you never sang before to return to Mrs. 
Martin her son. 

RUTH — I shall do my best, Meredith. 

MRS. W. — ^And we will all pray silently for God's aid. (MEREDITH opens 
L. door, stands besiae on side opposite to audience. MRS. W. stands in C. near 
back. RUTH at organ. FRITZ beside her.) 

MERiEDITiH^Now Ruth sing. 

(RUTH sings. At the close of first verse TIM appears L. door as though 
drawn by the music. FRITZ motions RUTH to continue. She sings second 
verse. TIM advances breathless, the light of returning reaason in his eyes. At 
close of second verse he extends his arms with a cry as he takes a few steps 
forward.) 

TIM — 'Mother! (RUTH looks up. TIM'S arms fall to side.) It is not s; 
(Passes hand over brow.) Is it the dream. again? 

MEREDITH — 'No, Tim, it ^^he light of dawning day. 

" 29 




TIM— (Starts back.) Meredith! (MRS. W. advances.) Mrs. Wellington! 
(Sees RUTH and FRITZ.) Ruth! Fritz Maokler. Where am I? 

MRS. W. — ^Thank God the miracle is laccompllished! 

MBRBDITH — (Oently.) You are with friends, Tim. 

TIM — (Sinks crushed to chair.) Friends! Ah, Init yon don't know what 
I've done! (Drops head between hands.) 

MBRBDITH — (Gently.) On the contrary I do and I forgive you. Here is 
my hand. (Extends hand, TIM looks up, bewildered, moved, then slowly clasps 
extended hand.) 

'TIM — (Suddenly releases hand.) My moth'er! Don't tell me she's dead! 

MElREDrTIH— She's ailive and will soon be back. 

TIM — (Brokenly.) But will! she forgive me? 

MRS. W. — A mother always forgives, Tim. 

MEIRBDITH — ^^Come, Tim. Your mother will soon be back. She must not 
see you until I can break the news to her. (MEREDITH leads the staggering 
TIM out L. door.) 

M'RS. W. — (Thankfully.) He is saved. 

FRITZ — (Sadly.) Saved, but not for long. Did you not see death written 
on his face? 

RUTH — You don't mean to say that you think he is dying? 

MBRBDITH — (Returns.) The wages of sin is death! 

MRS. W. — But his poor mother! 

MEREDITH — She will have the consolation to know he has repented and 
is safe in God's keeping. (Return MRS. M. with doctor.) 

MRS. M. — (As she enters.) Here is Dr. Wentworth, Meredith. 

MEREDITH — Dr. Wentworth, please accomipany Mrs. Martin in the next 
room where you willl find her sick son. 

MRS. M. — (Choking emotion. MRS. W. goes to her and puts arms around 
her.) You don't mean that Tim — 

MBRBDITH— r-SofWy.; I do. 

MRS. W. — You must be brave. 

MRS. M. — (With a scream runs out L. door followed hurriedly by doctor.) 
My son! 

MRS. W. — ^Come, Ruth, let us go with this unhappy mother! 

RUTH — (Takes two steps to follow MRS. W. Rear door opens and DR. W. 
enters.) Father! 

MRS. W. — (Turns before exit.) Theodore! 

FRITZ— Dr. Wellington! 

MBRBDITH — My father! (For a second no one speaks. Off stage back the 
.starting of a Christmas carol which breaks on the silence like a blessing. Very 
soft and low so thai last lines may be heard.) Have you come to bring me my 
pardon as a Christmias gift, sir? 

REV. W. — (Moved.) No, I have come to ask you for yours. (Extends hand.) 

MEIRBDITH — (Clasps it. Great emotion.) Father! (The carol off back 
breaks forth loud and. clear and continues as curtain slowly descends on the play.) 

THE END. 



Wila. 

my nai 
MR 



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